LEGAL ADULTHOOD AGE NOW 18

UAE’s new civil transactions law to reshape contracts from June 1

Sun, 31 May 2026

A major update to the UAE’s civil law will come into force on June 1, bringing changes that are expected to affect how residents, families, businesses and young adults deal with contracts, property, money and legal responsibility.

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'HIGHLY ASYMMETRIC IMPACTS'

World economy at risk as conflict drains oil inventories, warn global bodies

Sat, 30 May 2026

The heads of four major global economic institutions warned on Friday that the war in the Middle East is posing growing risks to the world economy, with disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz driving down global inventories and threatening energy security ahead of peak summer demand.

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STRAIT OF HORMUZ 'MUST OPEN'

Key Trump meeting ends, but no decision yet on Iran deal

Sat, 30 May 2026

US President Donald Trump has yet to decide whether to endorse a reported memorandum of understanding negotiated between US and Iranian officials, as the world awaits a potential extension of the ceasefire and eventual peace deal.

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DECISIVE RECOVERY SEEN

Dubai real estate transactions rise 20% in April to $18.68bn

Fri, 29 May 2026

Dubai’s real estate market recorded a sharp month-on-month recovery in April 2026, with total registered transaction value rising 20% to AED68.6 billion ($16.68 billion), according to a new analytical report published by Elite Merit Real Estate.

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INSIGHT

No time for courtesies – the GCC’s interests must not be ignored again

Tue, 26 May 2026

During a meeting with Clemens Augustinus Hach, the former German Ambassador to Bahrain, we had a candid discussion on regional and international affairs. I explained to him, quite frankly, our reservations regarding the West’s limited understanding of our region, only to be surprised when he remarked: “This is the first time I’ve heard such views expressed with this level of honesty.”

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Top This Week

Ebola situation in DR Congo worsens, Uganda imposes border curbs

Thu, 28 May 2026

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has intensified, with the number of suspected cases crossing 1,000 and neighbouring Uganda imposing emergency border restrictions amid fears of wider regional spread.

US strikes Iran again, Trump denies deal on Strait of Hormuz

Thu, 28 May 2026

Fresh US military strikes near Iran’s strategic port city of Bandar Abbas and comments from President Donald Trump that he would not be rushed into a deal, added to tensions in the Gulf, while oil prices rebounded after sharp losses earlier in the week.

Iran 'will restore commercial shipping to pre-war levels if deal agreed'

Wed, 27 May 2026

Iran will restore ​commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to ​pre-war levels within a month as per the draft of an initial unofficial framework for a memorandum of understanding with the United States, a Reuters report quoting Iran's state TV said.

1.7 million pilgrims perform Hajj this season

Wed, 27 May 2026

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) of Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that the total number of pilgrims for the 1447 AH Hajj season reached 1,707,301.

UAE hotel guest numbers grow 5.1% to 32m in 2025

Tue, 26 May 2026

The UAE recorded sustained growth across the tourism sector in 2025, with the number of hotel establishment guests rising to more than 32 million, up 5.1 percent compared to 2024.

UAE waives $227m interest on loans owed by retirees

Tue, 26 May 2026

The UAE's Defaulted Debts Settlement Fund, in cooperation with several UAE banks, has waived more than AED834 million ($227.09 million) in interest accrued on loans owed by 2,339 low-income retirees across the country.

Bahrain invites prequalification bids for International Sports City project - Phase 1A

Tue, 26 May 2026

Bahrain’s Ministry of Works has launched a prequalification process for contractors for Phase 1A of the planned Bahrain International Sports City project, paving the way for the construction of a major new sports stadium and associated infrastructure in the kingdom.

Over 40 airlines operate from DXB now, says Dubai Airports

Tue, 26 May 2026

More than 40 airlines are currently operating through Dubai International Airport (DXB), apart from the Dubai-based Emirates and flydubai, Dubai Airports said.

Qatar government tenders hit $2.35bn in Q1

Tue, 26 May 2026

Qatar's government tenders and bids achieved a total value of QR8.6 billion ($2.35 billion) during the first quarter of 2026, according to a Ministry of Finance (MOF) has announced.

National Metal Manufacturing unit wins supply contract for Saudi power project

Sun, 31 May 2026

Saudi industrial manufacturer National Metal Manufacturing and Casting Co said its subsidiary has signed a supply contract worth more than SAR10 million with Harbin Electric International Company for equipment to be used in a major power project in the Kingdom.

AMAK completes incorporation of drilling, exploration unit

Sun, 31 May 2026

Saudi mining company Almasane Alkobra Mining Company (AMAK) said it has completed the incorporation of a wholly owned drilling and exploration services subsidiary, marking a further step in expanding its mining support capabilities.

Parisian elegance meets luxury hospitality at Printemps Paris

Sun, 31 May 2026

The Middle East remains a vital global feeder market for Printemps Paris, the iconic Boulevard Haussmann luxury institution celebrating Parisian elegance since 1865. To entice regional travellers, Printemps has launched a premium in-store activation for Eid Al Adha 2026, featuring storewide discounts, Arabic-speaking personal shoppers, and VIP lounge access.

National Metal Manufacturing unit wins supply contract for Saudi power project

Sun, 31 May 2026

Saudi industrial manufacturer National Metal Manufacturing and Casting Co said its subsidiary has signed a supply contract worth more than SAR10 million with Harbin Electric International Company for equipment to be used in a major power project in the Kingdom.

No time for courtesies – the GCC’s interests must not be ignored again

Tue, 26 May 2026

During a meeting with Clemens Augustinus Hach, the former German Ambassador to Bahrain, we had a candid discussion on regional and international affairs. I explained to him, quite frankly, our reservations regarding the West’s limited understanding of our region, only to be surprised when he remarked: “This is the first time I’ve heard such views expressed with this level of honesty.”

ALEC wins $1.7bn construction contract for Sphere Abu Dhabi

Sat, 23 May 2026

UAE-based ALEC Engineering has secured a $1.7 billion construction contract for Sphere Abu Dhabi, an iconic immersive entertainment venue, coming up on Yas Island. The project scope includes design, procurement and construction work of the world’s second Sphere arena which is set for completion by 2029.

GCC countries enhance use of renewable water resources

Sun, 31 May 2026

The GCC countries recorded a 3 percent decline in the annual rate of groundwater extraction over the past nine years, alongside an increase in the share of renewable water resources, which reached 25.5 percent in 2024.

UAE introduces sweeping civil law reforms reshaping contracts, property

Sun, 31 May 2026

A major update to UAE’s civil law will come into force on June 1, bringing changes that are likely to affect how residents, families, businesses and young adults deal with contracts, property, money and legal responsibility. With this new rule, 18-year-olds will be treated as adults in many civil matters.

Parisian elegance meets luxury hospitality at Printemps Paris

Sun, 31 May 2026

The Middle East remains a vital global feeder market for Printemps Paris, the iconic Boulevard Haussmann luxury institution celebrating Parisian elegance since 1865. To entice regional travellers, Printemps has launched a premium in-store activation for Eid Al Adha 2026, featuring storewide discounts, Arabic-speaking personal shoppers, and VIP lounge access.

UAE's real GDP in 2025 surges 6.2pc to $517bn

Sun, 31 May 2026

UAE’s real GDP grew by 6.2% in 2025 over the previous year to hit AED1.9 trillion ($517 billion), thus reflecting the effectiveness of the country's strategy to develop a diversified and sustainable economic model, backed by robust growth in non-oil sectors, said a report.

Beyon signs deal for Kuwait’s fixed telecom network; $2.6bn investment seen

Fri, 22 May 2026

Beyon, a leading telecommunication company and digital enabler, has announced the signing of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) commitment agreement with the Ministry of Communications in Kuwait and the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP), formalising its selection as the Winning Investor for the Fixed Telecommunications Network Development Project in Kuwait.

Imagine Dragons set to headline F1 after-race concerts

Thu, 21 May 2026

Ethara has announced that one of the world’s biggest bands, Imagine Dragons, will headline the After-Race Concerts at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Saturday, December 5.

Meta launches subscription plans for Insta, WhatsApp and Facebook

Thu, 28 May 2026

Meta, the social networking giant, has announced that it’s now rolling out its consumer subscription plans globally for its flagship apps Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

UAE’s new civil transactions law to reshape contracts from June 1

Sun, 31 May 2026

A major update to the UAE’s civil law will come into force on June 1, bringing changes that are expected to affect how residents, families, businesses and young adults deal with contracts, property, money and legal responsibility.

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